The introduction of Uber has completely changed the landscape when it comes to transportation. You do not have to impatiently wait on the side of the road trying to hail an empty taxi, instead all you need to do is use the app and then meet at the designated spot in the time allotted — that simple.

It has become a major convenience for many people and definitely comes in handy after a night out at the bars. Instead of drunk people debating whether or not they are sober enough to drive home, they just open the app and snag an Uber. While it may be obvious that this popular ride-sharing app plays a role in reducing the number of drunk driving accidents, the question still remains as exactly to what extent do they do so?

Reduction in Accidents Varies by Location

A recent study took a deeper look into the ride-sharing app and the impact it has on drunk driving accidents in four different cities: Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; San Antonio, Texas; and Portland, Oregon. The study observed car crash histories and Uber availability over the course of three years.

As it turns out, in the cities of Portland and San Antonio, alcohol-related accidents were reduced by 60 percent. But in Reno, there was no reduction at all. What was even more surprising was that the study also revealed that even though drunk driving accidents were reduced in a city, the number of crashes overall saw no reduction.

This could be because there was an increase in non-alcohol related accidents or that the decrease in drunk driving accidents was too small to notice within the overall accident rate. The numbers also vary from city to city pending on the use of public and private transportation and, of course, what different cities tend to use the ride-sharing app for.

At the end of the day, while the study confirmed that Uber plays a role in reducing the number of drunk driving accidents, the overall number of car accidents still remains the same.

Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk driving accident — or any type of car accident — then you need the help of an experienced car accident lawyer like those at Berger & Lagnese, LLC.

The Pittsburgh law firm knows just how much a car accident can impact your life, both emotionally and financially. When another’s negligence has affected your life, you deserve to be compensated for your losses.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.